Es or Non-Es

Sorbemca

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2019
Messages
26
Choices:
2018 Yamaha blue non-ES,. I love the blue.
2019 Matte White ES.
I'm just a little concerned the white tank will be too bright in the sun here in SoCal.
Never had anything matte finish before, is it hard to maintain?

Is the electronic suspension worth putting up with the boring tank color?

I don't plan to change the suspension much, but I do switch from solo to two-up fairly often. Seems it might be worth it for that alone.

Comments? I'm off to the dealership today so I have to make a final decision.

Sorb
 

MFP

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 9, 2018
Messages
1,416
Location
NYC, NY
Choices:
2018 Yamaha blue non-ES,. I love the blue.
2019 Matte White ES.
I'm just a little concerned the white tank will be too bright in the sun here in SoCal.
Never had anything matte finish before, is it hard to maintain?

Is the electronic suspension worth putting up with the boring tank color?

I don't plan to change the suspension much, but I do switch from solo to two-up fairly often. Seems it might be worth it for that alone.

Comments? I'm off to the dealership today so I have to make a final decision.

Sorb
I have a '13 in pearl white and the tank has never had an issue with being too bright, I also have a small TechSpec tank pad on the top part of the tank.
The '19 as you stated is a matte white so that makes it even less reflective.
I would go with the ES.
 

Longdog Cymru

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
1,678
Location
Swansea, Wales, UK
So is the choice ES vs non-ES or what colour should you paint your nails, oops, sorry, I mean what colour do you want for your fuel tank? ;)

Seriously, you need to decide if you want an ES or a non-ES bike, look at the “extras” that you get with the ES then decide if they are what you want/need and are they worth paying for.

Let us know what you decide because I reckon you will be happy with either model.
 

dannyv

Active Member
Joined
May 4, 2018
Messages
294
Location
Indianapolis, IN
The cruise is a big deal, but I think they have it on both models. I happen to think the white tank looks gorgeous though. But- mine is a 2018, ES, blue.

You want to talk about warm in the sun? I wish the seat could reflect heat, instead of soak it up.
 

magic

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2015
Messages
747
Location
WISCONSIN
For my money, I'd go with the non-ES. Then upgrade the suspension with some premium components. I think the difference in price between ES and non-ES is less than $1000, and this won't quite cover the new suspension components, but it's a good start. As for the matte finish, it's pretty much maintenance free. I have a matte grey one. I didn't care for it at first, but now I really like it.
 

MonkeyBut

Fuel Whore
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
258
Location
Armpit of America, NJ
Whatever you do, make sure after you pen your name to the signing papers, think about when you walk away from the bike after you park it, or open the garage door, make sure it's the ONE you want to see!!! Make sure it's the one you take a second look at and makes you smile and warm and fuzzy on the inside the most. Don't compromise!!!
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
Great feature for some but it was 104 at the house yesterday:)
I hear you there!! OTOH, when winter time comes you will be liking those heated grips. I would really recommend the ES. I was shopping for the standard one when my ES came along. The suspension functions are really worth the extra money.

I will say if you decide to go with the standard model, there are a bunch of suspension modifications such as springs, shocks, cartridge inserts, valving options etc. Not so much for the ES model.
 

Mak10

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2018
Messages
2,567
Location
SE Idaho
I had the same choice, and the advice here was get the Es version. So I listened to the many wise folks here and got the Es.

I have not one regret, and use the electronic adjustment a lot. More than I could have ever imagined I’d use it.

Heated grips are awesome as well. It’s 100 degrees here today. And the have this nice setting-OFF. And when it’s 50 degrees and below they are really great. Nothing like having warmers when it’s raining. And the genuine Yamaha ones are kinda expensive at the parts counter.
 

Longdog Cymru

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
1,678
Location
Swansea, Wales, UK
Ended up going with the 2018 Yamaha blue non-ES.
Love the blue, saved some $$$, and now I have more Farkle Funds.
I'll ride it home tomorrow
Thanks for all your comments.
Congratulations! That is exactly what I did 12 months ago, I bought a 2017 non-ES in blue and I fitted Oxford heated grips for £47.50 and bought a set of Givi QR pannier frames from a guy on here and fitted a pair of 37 litre Givi Dolomitis and still had more than enough money to cover the cost of 3 European trips.

As I only ride solo, I decided that I could simply “set and forget” the suspension, perhaps only needing a tweak on the rear pre-load if I am fully loaded. In fact, it takes longer to check the tyre pressures than it does to alter the pre-load.

Now get out there and ride, oh yea, and post some pics too! ;):)
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
Ended up going with the 2018 Yamaha blue non-ES.
Love the blue, saved some $$$, and now I have more Farkle Funds.
I'll ride it home tomorrow
Thanks for all your comments.
Very cool. Good news is you have a bunch of choices for suspension upgrades. Everything from springs to replacement shocks. Enjoy your new ride sir!!
 
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